Tynedale 35 Wharfedale 10

AS rivalries were renewed in the battle of the Dalesmen, cries of “come on Dale” were a reminder that some things never change.

Out in the sticks, however, it was always going to be difficult for these clubs to sustain their elevated existence in National One and there was little to suggest they will be heading back there.

Tynedale finished nearer the bottom than the top in their first season in Two North but should do better this time.

They will be buoyed by the massive rallying round which has got the club shipshape after last December's devastating flood. The ground looked a picture and the clubhouse is functional, but can no longer be insured. So they are looking to raise £750,000 to add another level.

Of the last four clashes between the sides at Corbridge, Tynedale had won three by three points or fewer. But although there were a few spats, the rivalry was not so fierce this time.

The only time Wharfedale got into the game was just before half-time, when Tynedale conceded a penalty try and lost a man to the bin for pulling down a maul.

It was swiftly followed by a simple penalty for ex-Blaydon fly half Jamie Guy, reducing the half-time deficit to 13-10.

Still a man to the good on the resumption, Wharfedale sensed an opportunity and vigorously worked their way up to the 22, only to repeat their regular folly of giving the ball away.

They scarcely threatened again as Tynedale strung some good moves together to add four tries to their first half brace.

With Ash Smith again absent, Jack Taylor continued as the goal-kicking fly half but managed only a simple penalty before scrum half Matty Outson converted the first of the last two tries.

Tynedale left their prolific prop, Ben Haigh, on the bench for 30 minutes, allowing veteran Peter Southern to help establish the sort of dominance in the scrums which must be a worry for Wharfedale.

With both teams kicking penalties to the corner, Tynedale also proved more adept at driving the mauls, a catch-and-drive bringing their first try.

They have two strong wingers and Aedon Moloney finished a blind side move for the second try, while Henry Hadfield's burst set up the third for lock Graeme Dunn.

The excellent open side, Joe Mills, finished good moves for the next two, sparked by breaks from centre Will Miller and lock Archie Erskine.

Finally, Tynedale opted for a scrum when a penalty was awarded on the 22 and moved it right for replacement centre Jonny Mock to nip over.

It was a more comfortable win than Tynedale would have expected and North-East rugby fans will wish them well in keeping their heads above water.